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FAQs

1. THE WORKSHOP:

1.1Is From Plate to Page for me?

From Plate to Page is specifically designed for the food blogger or budding professional food writer, stylist or photographer wanting to hone their skills and learn the techniques of BOTH writing and photography, while boosting their creativity. The workshop is ideal both for newer bloggers looking to learn skills and for the more advanced food blogger looking for an inspiring and invigorating exchange of ideas and experiences, as well as some tips on how to make the transition from blogger to professional freelance writer or photographer.

Other than bloggers, the workshop is also aimed at photographers wanting to improve his or her writing skills, or writers looking to improve their food styling and photography.

1.2 What equipment will I need for the workshop?

We are often asked “Is my camera good enough for me to come to Plate to Page?”. There is no minimum requirement for the type of camera you need to benefit from the photography side of Plate to Page (and food styling tips are useful regardless of the type of camera you have). However, we would suggest that if you have a compact camera, it must be one where you have the option of manually controlling the shutter speed and aperture, otherwise you will struggle to implement much of the technical photography tips. To get maximum value out of the photography side of the workshop, it is desirable (but by no means essential) to have a digital SLR camera. Please feel free to ask us if you are in any doubt as to the suitability of your camera!

A laptop computer with PhotoShop, LightRoom or some type of photo editing software already installed is essential (and the laptop is also useful for the hands-on writing exercises). Please don't forget to come equipped with all the chargers, cables and adaptor plugs you need, and your camera manual also comes in handy!

1.3I’m already a working, professional food writer, stylist or photographer…what will I get out of attending From Plate to Page?

From Plate to Page is the perfect retreat for the professional writer, stylist or photographer needing a creative boost or looking for new ideas and inspiration.

The workshop provides a basic foundation for the beginner but offers a pool of experience, information and inspiration for the more advanced professional by drawing on the knowledge and backgrounds of the 4 instructors, as well as input from more advanced participants. The professional will also benefit from finely tuned exercises combining writing and photography which will help to improve their understanding and awareness of how these work together which will enhance the quality of their own work.

1.4How is the workshop set up? Will I have one-on-one instruction?

Unlike most traditional conferences aimed at the food blogger where you are one of dozens of bloggers simply sitting in a large, crowded room listening and taking notes, Plate to Page is an intimate, hands-on working weekend for only 10-12 participants made up of intensive discussion, instruction on both the technical and creative aspects of food writing, styling and photography complemented by practical exercises and assignments meant to push each participant’s limits and ideas.

1.5If I register too late and the workshop is already filled or if I can’t get my payment in on time, what happens?

As we have a limited number of spaces in our workshops, those who register late will be placed on a waiting list and will be informed individually, on a first-come-first-served basis, if/when spaces open up.

If you have registered in time but are late in making the deposit payment you will be sent a notice, after which if you still fail to make the payment in 24 hours your reserved place at the Plate to Page Workshop will be reallocated and you will be pushed to the bottom of the waiting list. We will then open up your space to another person at the top of the waiting list. Your place at the workshop is not guaranteed until the deposit is received by us.

Should you for any reason find that you are unable to attend the workshop after you have paid in full, such payment will be non-refundable. Should we manage to fill your space with another participant, we reserve the right to refund your payment at our sole discretion.

1.6What is included in the cost of the workshop?

The cost of the weekend covers all workshop costs, full sharing accommodation and all meals, unless otherwise stated. It also covers organized excursions or tours and transportation to and from those excursions.1.7 Does the workshop offer good value for money?

If you compare the cost of other food blogging conferences and workshops, we believe we offer fantastic value for money, for the following reasons:

our package is fully inclusive of all accommodation and meals, unless specifically stated otherwise, meaning that there are no unexpected expensive surprises

we offer a ratio of one instructor to three participants – an unrivalled statistic offering unique opportunity for one-to-one instruction and feedback

our venues are all hand-picked by us and reflect the unique character and history of the area where the workshop is held

In order to provide attendees with the widest range of expertise, the workshop mentoring is divided amongst 2 photographers and 2 writers, each with a rich and varied background. Their blogging and professional experience means balanced and well thought-out instruction and critique. Rather than only one point of view, two instructors in each field guarantees each participant more one-to-one coaching and feedback, a wider field of knowledge, and more information exchange. 3. ACCOMMODATIONS3.1How are locations selected?

The Plate to Page team scouts out locations for the workshops with great care; we are extremely attentive to detail to ensure we can offer the participants the best, most affordable price.

We are focused on providing high quality and tranquil venues as an ideal space for focused work as well as a convivial environment to inspire group dynamics, and try to choose character-filled venues that provide a true taste of the area where the workshop takes place.

In each country the workshop is held in, we look for affordable venues that provide free internet access, a full kitchen for communal cooking and comfortable sleeping and living spaces.3.2Why do I have to share a room?

Sharing rooms simply lowers the cost of the workshop for each participant. As Plate to Page costs cover not only the workshop itself but accommodations and meals, sharing rooms means that Plate to Page is within the financial reach of more bloggers. More luxurious or single room accommodation means unnecessarily pushing the ticket price out of reach for many, and also means that we are unlikely to be able to host the workshops in historic and atmospheric venues as we try to do.

Because of the limited availability of locations large enough to house 16 people which also have large kitchens, rooms suitable for tuition, ample spaces for participants to do creative work in small groups, and free internet access, some Plate to Page venues will require us to share double beds. This cannot always be avoided - our other requirements listed above take precedence over the layout of the sleeping accommodation. Where beds need to be shared, the instructors will always allocate this accommodation to themselves where possible, leaving more roomy accommodation for participants.

Sharing is also a great way to build community by stimulating group dynamics and promoting conviviality, the best basis for a successful group working weekend and organic sharing of knowledge and expertise!